Zafirlukast (Accolate) in asthma

Booth-Clibborn N, Best L, Stevens A
Record ID 31998008882
English
Authors' objectives:

The author evaluates whether zafirlukast should be offered to patients with mild to moderate asthma, who are currently treated at Step 2 of the British Thoracic Society guidelines, ie. prescribed bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

Authors' results and conclusions: Of the 6 trials investigating whether zafirlukast is effective or not, 5 trials suggest that zafirlukast is effective (v placebo), one trial found that it is no better than sodium cromoglycate and one trial found no significant benefit at 6 weeks of treatment when compared with placebo. The overall consensus of the evidence from the trials is that zafirlukast is clinically effective. The continued effectiveness of zafirlukast after 13 weeks is unknown, as there are as yet no trials with a duration of over 13 weeks. The after-effects of treatment are also not known, due to lack of follow-up.
Authors' recommendations: The authors conclude that corticosteroids are likely to remain the major treatment for mild to moderate asthma patients for the near future. There is insufficient evidence of zafirlukast's effectiveness in long-term management and for routine use as Step 2 treatment, but results of direct comparative trials with corticosteroids are awaited.
Authors' methods: Overview
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk
Year Published: 1996
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England
MeSH Terms
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Asthma
  • Receptors, Leukotriene
Contact
Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development
Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662
Copyright: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development (WIHRD)
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